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A dreamcast for this early
opera of Mozart (he was 12 when he composed it for the Emperor
Joseph II!): Helen Donath, Robert Holl,Teresa Berganza,Anthony
Rolfe-Johsnon, Thomas Moser and Robert

Lloyd are set against the
salzburgian forces of the Mozarteum Orchestra under Leopold Hager.
A gem, hidden in the Brilliant Classics Complete Mozart Edition,
now issued in the Brilliant Classics Opera

Collection!

Stories of Mozart’s
precocious musical talent are well known, forming an integral part
of our understanding of this legendary composer. However, while
many listeners will be familiar with early works like the Pieces
and Minuets for piano, surprisingly little attention has been paid
to the charming opera buffa La finta semplice, composed by the
12-year-old Mozart in 1769 at the suggestion of Emperor Joseph
II.

The work gives an
incomparable insight into Mozart’s development as an operatic
composer, and listeners of this splendid recording will be rewarded
by the outstanding quality of the music and interpretation. The
libretto of La finta semplice spins a tale of love and deception
centred around a crafty scheme concocted by Captain Fracasso, who
must gain the approval of his host Don Cassandro before he can
marry Giacinta, Cassandro’s sister. To soften his host,
Fracasso introduces him to his own sister, Rosina, the
‘pretend simpleton’ of the opera’s title, and the
plot follows a series of witty twists and turns, all given ample
expression in the delightful score. One of only a few recordings
available, and one that has consistently drawn critical praise for
the quality of its performances and interpretation, this addition
to the Brilliant Classics Opera Collection will prove fascinating
listening for any fans of Mozart’s mature operas, the seeds
of which are evident here. Full of light, elegant arias,
skilfully-crafted ensembles and amusing comic numbers, this is an
opera of character and instant melodic appeal, which demonstrates
the young composer’s remarkably assured understanding of how
to use the orchestra to great dramatic effect.